Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Leaf Extract of Achyranthes aspera Linn. (Prickly Chaff Flower)

Aim: The present study was undertaken to establish the potential role of Achyranthes aspera Linn for cure of skin diseases.

Study Design: The plant is traditionally used by various tribes for curing a wide range of diseases. A 50% ethanolic extract of the leaves was subjected to phytochemical studies and further investigated for in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activities.

Place and Duration of Study: CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow, between December 2012 and November 2013.

Methodology: In vitro antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH free radical scavenging assay, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, β-Carotene-linoleic acid assay and reducing power assay. Antibacterial activity was studied by agar well diffusion method.

Results: The total phenol and flavonoid content was estimated to be 3.363% and 6.36% respectively. The HPTLC analysis showed the presence of oleanolic acid, lupeol and β-sitosterol. The free radical scavenging activity of the extract was concentration dependent and IC50 was observed at a concentration of 62.24µg/ml for DPPH free radical scavenging activity and 68.32µg/ml for hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. The extract showed significant total antioxidant activity and reducing power. Antibacterial activity was studied by well diffusion method and the MIC was recorded at 0.75 mg/ml for S. aureus, 0.8 mg/ml for M. luteus, 2.75 mg/ml for E. coli and 0.8 mg/ml for P. aeruginosa.

Conclusion: The results obtained from current study demonstrate that the leaf extract of Achyranthes aspera L possess significant antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Presence of various classes of phytocompounds e.g. Phenols, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids etc. contribute highly to its medicinal values, thus indicating its potential for cure of skin diseases.